Magnum Runs Down Well Armed in San Antonio Handicap - February 8, 2009

San Antonio Handicap
By Profitus Maximus

Although Magnum certainly had the back class, having finished a close second in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap back in 2006, a seeming lack of affinity for synthetic tracks combined with what appeared to be a decline in recent form allowed Magnum to escape at 18-1 odds.

Well Armed was made the co-favorite with Tiago at 2-1 odds despite two consecutive lackluster efforts, and perhaps many bettors believed that Well Armed might get an easy lead as there did not seem to be much speed in the race.

In fact, that scenario played itself out as Well Armed couldn’t have had things any easier as apparently none of the jockey’s were aware that he was just loping along on the lead, setting an easy first quarter of 25.26. Magnum tracked in second but was still four lengths behind Well Armed by the time they turned onto the backstretch.

There was no change up the backstretch and in fact Well Armed still led Magnum by four lengths at the quarter pole at which point the field was frantically trying to catch up to Well Armed who had plenty in reserve due to the crawling early pace.

With an eighth of a mile left to go, Magnum cut the lead to under two lengths and began to gradually reel in Well Armed. Well Armed was not tiring but Magnum just had a little more kick in him and collared him just inside the sixteenth pole and went on to win by one length.

Magnum was ridden by Joel Rosario and trained by Darrell Vienna. The final time was 149.14.

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